Senate Finance Committee Outlines Energy Tax Options

As part of our continuing efforts to provide current, topical information relating to renewable energy projects, RenewableEnergyLawInsider provides a series of posts from individuals with a wide range of experience and expertise. Today, Tracy Hammond from the Polsinelli Public Policy Group in Washington D.C. provides an update about the various energy industry tax policy options that … Continue reading

Understanding the IRS PTC Guidance

After several months of anxious anticipation, yesterday the IRS released guidance on its interpretation of certain provisions relating to Congress’ extension of the federal Production Tax Credit (“PTC”). Specifically, the provisions in question relate to how far along in development a project will need to be in order to qualify for the PTC before the credit expires … Continue reading

White House Working to Extend MLPs and REITs to Renewable Projects

As part of our continuing efforts to provide current, topical information relating to renewable energy projects, RenewableEnergyLawInsider provides a series of posts from  individuals with a wide range of experience and expertise.  Today, two representatives from the Polsinelli Public Policy Group in Washington D.C., Andy Wright and Tracy Hammond, provide an update on the Obama administrations … Continue reading

PTC Extended as Part of Fiscal Cliff Deal

Late last night, President Obama officially signed into law legislation to avoid the “fiscal cliff.”  The adoption of this measure, which was approved overwhelmingly by the Senate and by a vote of 257 to 167 in the House of Representatives, is excellent news for advocates of renewable energy, as it includes an extension of the vitally important Production Tax … Continue reading

Election 2012: What it Means for Renewables

                        Photo Credit: Larry Downing, Reuters The votes have been cast and the dust has settled, and it is now clear that Democrats were able to score some significant points in the 2012 election.  For the advocates of wind, solar, and biomass projects across … Continue reading

President Obama’s Energy Plan: A Closer Look

On Tuesday, President Barack Obama presented his annual State of the Union address. One of the most interesting topics discussed, at least to my biased ears, was the importance of pursuing an “all-of-the-above” strategy for developing every potential energy resource at the country’s disposal. While I’m always thrilled when renewable energy policy gets a prominent … Continue reading

Biomass Projects Given a Boost from Federal Permitting Rules

I’m proud to announce that Dave Strieker, a partner in Polsinelli Shughart’s Energy Group, and I recently published a paper for the annual meeting of the American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy and Resources.  The paper, entitled “Greenhouse Gas Permitting Advantages for Biomass Projects,” explores the EPA’s “Tailoring Rule,” which places significant regulatory burdens on certain emission sources of greenhouse … Continue reading

Will Renewable Energy Be Hindered by the Debt Ceiling Deal?

Like the rest of America, I have been closely following the numerous (and often unflattering) accounts of the debt-ceiling drama that has unfolded in the U.S. Congress and Senate.  The questions being debated have countless implications for industries all across the country, but very few have quite as much at stake as the renewable energy industry.    As … Continue reading

USDA Programs on Renewable Energy Project Sites: A Risky Combination

In 2011, the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) is planning to spend roughly $1.9 billion dollars on conservation programs designed to encourage landowners to improve their natural resource stewardship and meet environmental challenges on their land.  The roughly 275 million acres currently enrolled in these programs is expected to increase to an estimated 300 million … Continue reading